The wines of Mt. Brave
2023 Malbec
100 Points
"Chris Carpenter’s thesis at UC Davis was on Malbec, and what he knew of it from Argentina, he applied when he got his hands on the fruit for this wine (the original block was planted in the early 2000s, with a second planting in 2008); and he is quick to point out that this is 'Not an Australian Malbec', but he loved the bright red fruit and rhubarb-like character that comes from those wines. Here, under the Mt. Brave label, in the glass, what I can tell you is that it's one of the most compelling Malbec wines from the United States that I've ever tasted. It delivers its blue-fruit character with riveting freshness, layered with black raspberry and graphite mineral notes, floral tones that wow the senses, all building to a medium- to full-bodied richness on the palate. Never overripe, never too rich, just in the perfect vein of balanced freshness with mineral tension. The tannins are super fine and velvety, and the finish goes on for days and days. This is a game-changing Malbec from Napa; for those who think they have California Malbec figured out, get a bottle of this and be prepared to be floored."
Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter June 2026
$100.00
2023 Cabernet Franc
100 Points
"The Cabernet Franc vines here are shaded by towering Douglas firs, casting long shadows across the site as the sun stes. Originally intended as a blending component for the Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Chris Carpenter loved the signature and its similarity to what was happening with the La Jota Cabernet Franc on Howell Mountain. Here, across the valley on Mount Veeder, the Cabernet Franc shows real forest berry intensity that carries through to the tannins, which have a deep redwood or conifer quality to them; like the dark, firm bark of those trees, but finely grained and perfectly integrated. They form a solid foundation for all of the dark blackberry fruit and rich brown baking spice character to shine through, alongside dark salted chocolate notes, and intense graphite minerality that spreads itself across the palate with such fantastic mineral intensity that you really have to marvel at this wine. It's such a structural marvel, and in a challenging vintage like 2022, all the more impressive. Enjoy this wine now for its decadent up-front dark fruit and spice, or lay it down and watch it evolve into magical complexity over the next 20 to 30 years."
- Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter June 2026
$100.00
2024 Restricted Chenin Blanc
Early apricot, green almon, lemon zest, and quince.
100% Chenin Blanc
$60.00
2024 Restricted Marsanne-Roussanne
Anjou pear, chamomile, hints of beeswax and straw.
82% Marsanne, 18% Roussanne
$60.00
2024 Restricted White Wine Collection
Retail Price: $180 per 3-bottle set
Set Price: $165 per 3-bottle set
1 bottle of each wine included
2024 Restricted Chenin Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc
2024 Restricted Marsanne-Roussanne
82% Marsanne, 18% Roussanne
2024 Restricted Proprietary White Wine
44% Pinot Blanc, 32% Albariño, 14% Marsanne, 10% Chenin Blanc
$165.00
2024 Restricted Proprietary White Wine
The inspiration behind this wine was to explore these often underappreciated varieties and show how the can be greater thank the sum of the parts. Each variety plays a different roll. This year the Pinot Blanc really sparkled. Its focused energy serves as the heart of the wine. The Albariño was also brimming with aromatics and hints of salinity. Chenin Blanc and Marsanne add palate weight and complexity.
44% Pinot Blanc, 32% Albariño, 14% Marsanne, 10% Chenin Blanc
$60.00
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
“The 2022 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon leads with vibrant huckleberry and blueberry. Its plush texture unfolds into layers of Asian spice, tobacco, and mocha, culminating in a persistent finish.”
— Winemaker Chris Carpenter
97 Points
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, July 2025
$215.00
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
“The 2022 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon leads with vibrant huckleberry and blueberry. Its plush texture unfolds into layers of Asian spice, tobacco, and mocha, culminating in a persistent finish.”
— Winemaker Chris Carpenter
97 Points
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, July 2025
$100.00
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 3-Bottle Set
“The 2022 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon leads with vibrant huckleberry and blueberry. Its plush texture unfolds into layers of Asian spice, tobacco, and mocha, culminating in a persistent finish.”
— Winemaker Chris Carpenter
97 Points
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, July 2025
$300.00
2022 Merlot
"A great example of why Merlot belongs in the mountains, the 2022 Mt. Brave Merlot opens with boysenberry, blueberry jam, and deep chocolate. Minerality and mouthwatering acidity refresh the palate on the way to a lengthy finish."
— Winemaker Chris Carpenter
97 Points
Jim Gordon
JamesSuckling.com, December 2024
$115.00